Under President William Ruto’s leadership, the Kenyan government has inked a significant agreement with some of America’s most prestigious Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). This alliance encompasses institutions such as Spelman College, Morehouse College, Clark Atlanta University, and Howard University. It aims to revolutionize STEM education and economic development in Kenya and the United States.

Empowering a New Generation

During his state visit to the U.S. — the first by an African leader under the Biden administration — President Ruto made Atlanta his first port of call. He articulated his vision of empowering a new generation through this partnership. “We shall empower a new generation of disruptive thinkers, ambitious visionaries, and innovative problem solvers, and thus divine a brighter knowledge-driven future where progress transcends borders, transforms lives, and delivers prosperity,” Ruto stated during his visit to Spelman College.

Wrapped up our Atlanta stop of #StateVisitUSKE by celebrating growing 🇺🇸🇰🇪 partnerships in trade, education, and the creative economy. Today, we move to Washington for more engagements. #USKEat60 pic.twitter.com/dmy4WKDQPA
— U.S. Ambassador Meg Whitman (@USAmbKenya) May 22, 2024

The agreement with HBCUs is particularly symbolic. It draws inspiration from the historical “airlifts” program of the late 1950s and early 1960s that saw hundreds of Kenyan students, including Barack Obama Sr., receive scholarships to attend American colleges. This move by President Ruto seeks to echo the transformative impact of such educational exchanges.

More About Kenya’s Partnership With HBCUs

Dignitaries, including U.S. Ambassador to Kenya Meg Whitman, witnessed the deal, highlighting a mutual commitment to promoting student and faculty exchanges, joint research, and helping Kenya achieve its Silicon Savannah goals.

“We still have details to work out in terms of the partnership, but you know, what we really hope is that our students have the opportunity to go and learn in Kenyan schools, and Kenyan students will have the opportunity here,” Dr. Helene Gayle, president of Spelman College, shared with The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “Our faculty will have opportunities to do research together and really build out partnerships in this very important area of STEM and technology,” she added.

With significant funding from Mastercard and Microsoft, this partnership will also help the Open University of Kenya at Konza connect STEM graduates with growing industries, including information and communication technology (ICT), textile production, and pharmaceuticals.